
BRUSSELS – Olivier Onidi, head of the European Commission (EC) overseeing matters related to the Schengen Zone, expressed that the integration of Bulgaria and Romania into Schengen has yielded positive outcomes and has proceeded smoothly in both nations. This statement was made during an address to the Members of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice, and Home Affairs.
Onidi emphasized that Bulgaria and Romania have set a commendable precedent for other countries aspiring for Schengen membership. He indicated that by the end of this year, Cyprus will aim to fulfill the necessary requirements and may join Schengen as early as next year. Additionally, he noted that Ireland is interested in adopting Schengen regulations, and the EC is collaborating with Western Balkan nations to facilitate their future integration into Schengen once they finalize their EU accession negotiations.
He pointed out that 40 percent of global cross-border travel occurs within the Schengen area, highlighting its significant role in bolstering the European Union’s economic growth. By the year’s end, the EC anticipates releasing an evaluation detailing the economic advantages of Schengen membership, Onidi stated.
Onidi also reported that each year, one billion border crossings occur at Schengen borders, and the EU issues 10 million Schengen visas. He acknowledged that further efforts are necessary to fully digitalize the processes associated with Schengen’s functioning.
At the end of last month, the EC released a report assessing the status of the borderless area, asserting that the complete inclusion of Bulgaria and Romania into Schengen significantly boosts the EU economy, with projections indicating that the two nations could save billions in operational costs. This integration follows an 18-year process, marking the beginning of this year as the point at which both countries fully joined Schengen. The report emphasizes the substantial benefits that the Schengen area provides to the EU and its citizens, serving as the backbone of the internal European market and improving the lives of nearly 450 million individuals. Last year alone, over half a billion visitors traveled within the Schengen Zone, further stimulating economic growth, the commission added. (May 12)













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